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Police are investigating after a Georgia judge was found dead in his courtroom on Tuesday.
Effingham County Sheriff's Deputies announced in a release that they located State Court Judge Steven Yekel, 74, on Tuesday morning.
The sheriff's office said it appears the man shot himself.
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Effingham County Sheriff's Deputies announced in a release that they have located County Court Judge Steven Yekel, 74. (State Court Judge Steven Yekel, via Facebook)
His death is being investigated by the Effingham County Sheriff's Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation will conduct an autopsy.
Authorities said Iker died late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
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Yekel was appointed to the seat two years ago by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, but ran unsuccessfully for election earlier this year.
His term was scheduled to end on December 31, 2024.
Judge Stephen Ikel, 74, was found dead of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Effingham County Courthouse in Springfield, Georgia. (Google Maps)
The Effingham County Commission said in a statement that it was “deeply saddened” by Iker's death.
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“The Effingham County Board of Commissioners and staff are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Judge Steve Ikel today in the Effingham County Courthouse and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones,” they said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Effingham County Commission for comment.
